Liver Cancer: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Cancer of the liver can cause it to become larger and can interfere with some of its vital functions. Liver enlargement may cause a sense of fullness or pain in the abdomen. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and easy bleeding are both symptoms that may signal impairment of liver function. Symptoms of liver cancer can be progressive, worsening over time.

Common symptoms of liver cancer

Common liver cancer symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or fullness, especially in the right upper abdomen
• Dark urine
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Enlarged liver
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Generalized muscle weakness and reduced muscle mass
• Night sweats
• Pale stool
• Swelling and fluid collection in the abdomen (ascites)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, liver cancer can be life threatening, especially if internal bleeding or liver failure should occur. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:

• Bloody stool (the blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding, hemorrhage
• Vomiting blood